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HISTORICAL DISCOURSE 



COMMEMORATIVE OP THE 



CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, PLYMOUTH, N. H. 



Preached Dec. 24th and 318t, 1865, 
By henry a. HAZEN, Pastor. 



With Intkodttotion and NOTE^»ef.A9fNP95tHE Early History of the Town. 



BOSTON: 

CONGREGATIONAL PUBLISHING SOCIETY, 

Congregational House. 

1875. 



1^ r' . 'il .« » dJjf 



INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 



In 1865, the writer, then pastor of the Congregational Church in 
Plymouth, N. H., prepared and preached, on the last two Sabbaths of 
the year, an historical discourse, commemorating the centennial of its 
organization. It has since lain quietly in his desk. But friends, whose 
opinion he could not undervalue, have urged that it should be published ; 
and, as centennial contributions are now in order, it is here recast and 
oifered to them, in the hope that it may not be without some interest and 
future value. In revising, I have not sought to preserve any minute 
consistency between the dates, 1865 and 1875. And I have omitted the 
introductory and concluding reflections, to make room for more valuable 
notes of the early history of the town. These I have felt at liberty to 
expand rather freely, and some corrections of current errors will be 
found. The history of the town ought to be carefully written, and I 
shall be glad if its future compiler finds some assistance here. 

My special thanks are due to Rev. Georce Punchakd for the use of 
manuscript sermons, and other materials, from which I have freely 
drawn ; also, for many suggestions, and for proof-reading. The Index 
does not include all proper names, but is believed to be sufficiently full 
for easy reference to every important topic. 

H A. H. 

BiLLEEiCA, Mass., May, 1875. 



DISCOURSE. 



We must go back one hundred and fi%-three j^ears, for the first 
recorded appearance of Englishmen in the vicinity of Plymouth. 
The Indian roamed here, and hunted on his excursions ; although 
no tribes were located nearer than New York and Canada. But in 
the summer they encamped, and planted corn on the rich meadows 
of the Coos, and possibly here on the Pemigewasset ; and they 
caught the trout, and chased the deer, amid the wildest recesses of 
the White Mountains. 

The story of the earliest coming of white men to this part of New 
Hampshire, has special and romantic interest to Plymouth, for it is 
connected with a bloody encounter in this very village, — its one and 
sufficient taste of war, — and has left its permanent memorial in the 
name of Baker's River. 

In the spring of 1712, Captain Thomas Baker (Note A) left 
Northampton, Massachusetts, with a scouting party of thirty-four 
men, passed up the Connecticut River, to Haverhill, and there turning 
east, ascended the Oliverian, and came down the Asquamchaukee, 
as the Indians called the stream which here enters the Pemigewasset. 
Guided by a friendly Indian, he discovered and completely surprised 
the savages, at the mouth of the river, on its north bank. The 
sachem's name was Walternummus and the story runs, that he and 
Baker levelled their guns at each other at the same instant. The 
Indian's bullet grazed Baker's left eyebrow, doing him no harm ; 
but Baker's ball entering the breast, the sachem leaped in the air, 
and fell dead. Many of the savages were killed, and the survivors 
fled, giving Baker's party opportunity to rifle their tents, and carry 
away as many beaver-skins as they could. But the Indians rallied, 
pursued, and, coming up with Baker's party in Bridgewater, just 
south of Walter Webster's tavern, another smart skirmish followed. 
The Indians were repulsed, however, and Baker escaped with his 
rich booty, and, on May 12, applied to the Massachusetts legislature 



6 PLYMOUTH, N. H. 

for the bounty promised for Indian scalps, receiving pay for a larger 
number than the}' could recover, as the enemy admitted a larger 
loss. 

The next forty years saw many Indian parties passing up and 
down this valley on the war-path, and some unfortunate prisoners 
returning with them to the St. Francis, from Rochester, Exeter or 
Hopkinton. These were the years of Lovewell's expeditions and dis- 
aster, and of the capture of Louisburg, — a brave exploit, in which 
New Hampshire men bore an honorable part. The attractions of 
the fertile Coos meadows were discovered by hunting parties and 
Indian prisoners, and their importance, as a strategical point against 
French and Indian invasions, could not be overlooked. A project 
was formed to establish a strong and semi-military colony, with a 
grant of four townships, in the Connecticut Yallej', at Haverhill and 
Newbury, and in 1751 and 1752, became a leading feature in the 
policy of the government (Note B) . The secretary of the. Province, 
Atkinson, in a letter written 1752, November 19, saj's, " We are 
noio upon a Project (which I believe will take effect), of settling a 
Tract of the finest Land on the Continent, caU'd by ye Indians, 
Co-OS, which Lyes upon Connecticut River, about 90 miles northerly 
from the Province Line. We have alread}' enlisted about four hun- 
dred Proper men. They are to cut a road to that Place, build two 
Garrisons, with sufficient accommodations for the 400 or 500 men," 
etc., " & all their land under tillage be in sight of and defended 
by the Garrisons ; tis a great undertaking, and a good one ; for I 
really believe if we do not settle it the French will; for tis the main 
passage made use of by the Indians from Canada to this country." 

An exploring party had visited Coos the previous spring, and 
about the time this letter was written, a committee were appointed 
by the Governor and Assembly, with power to lay out and cut a 
road. They reported in April, 1753, that they " have been upon the 
spot, and have searched out a convenient wa}' where a road might 
be cut & Bridged, without any uncommon charge or Difficulty, 
commencing at the Crotch of INIerrimack river, where the rivers of 
Pemidgwasset & "Winnipiseocce meet, «fc Ending about Ten miles 
below the head of the s"^ Tract of land, called Co.-os." This party 
had the services, as guide, of a j'oung man who had been taken 
prisoner while hunting in Rumney, the spring before, and learned 
the route from his Indian captors. He was from Derryfield, now 
Manchester, and his name was John Stark, the future hero of 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 7 

Banker Hill and Bennington. The road, however, was not opened ; 
but in 1754, Captain Peter Powers, of Mollis, set out, June 15, from 
Rumford, with another party, for more extended investigation. He 
went as far as Lancaster, and his journal is preserved (Note C). 

Governor Went worth, in his message (1753) repeated and 
enforced the arguments for this settlement. He sa^^s : " Your 
resolve in this momentous Concern, you may be assured, will not 
only recommend you to his Majestie's especial favor, but must 
finally be your great securit}^, as it will cut ofi" all communication 
the Indians can have between our frontiers and the French Fort at 
Crown Point, make their incursions from St. Francis more difficult, 
and, in case of another war, be of great advantage to an army 
invading Canada." 

But the French and their Indian allies were as fully alive to the 
value of the Coos. Captain Stevens, of " No 4," Charlestown, 
reported a visit from the Indians in 1753. " They manifested great 
uneasiness at our Peoples going to take a view of Cowass Meadows 
last spring"; and, on leaving, told him, with great deliberation, 
"/o?* the English to settle Cowass was what they could not agree to, 
and they must think the English had a mind for war if they should 
go there," These threats of their foes, and the expense and diffi- 
culty of the enterprise, delayed it until the French and Indian war, 
which soon came. And the Coos was not settled till Wolfe had 
stormed the Heights of Quebec, Montreal had capitulated, and the 
French were finall}- driven from Canada, more than 200 years after 
Cartier's first attempt to plant a French colony and mission there. 

A picture must have suitable background to bring out the proper 
effect of its colors and shades, and the scenes thus briefly suggested 
are the background on which we must project the Plymouth settle- 
ment, if we would understand the motives that inspired it, or the 
training of the earl^' settlers for their work. Doubtless they had 
been awaiting their opportunity for ten j-ears, and passed through 
the anxieties and the hardships of the French war with this among 
the plans which cheered them. And in that war, several of the 
Plymouth men bore active part. David Hobart, Josiah Brown, 
Joseph Blanchard, Samuel Cummings, David and Abel Webster, 
John Willoughby, and perhaps others, were in the service, and took 
part in the battles around Ticonderoga, and in Canada. 

Peace brought the opportunity, which was promptly improved, to 
push the new settlements. The first, in Grafton County,, was made 



8 PLYMOUTH, N. H. 

in 1761. A grant of Haverhill and Newburj^ was made to Captain 
John Hazen (Note D), of Haverhill, and Jacob Bailey, of Newbur}', 
Massachusetts ; and, in the summer of that j'ear, two men in Hazen's 
employ, came on and established themselves on the Little Ox Bow, 
in North Haverhill, Hazen and Bailey, with their families, following 
in 1762. Lebanon was next occupied in 1763, Lyme in 1764, and 
Campton (Note E), Hanover, Orford and Runine}^ in 1765. 

In November, 1762, a party of eight explorers came up from 
HoUis, to cut a path and select a place for a settlement. Their 
names were Elnathan Blood, Josiah Brown, Jotham Cummhigs, 
Colonel David Hobart, Zechariah Parker, David Webster. John 
Willoughby and his son, afterwards " Elder" Willoughby (Note F). 

The valuable intervales on the rivers attracted them to this place. 
Returning to Hollis, they procured the charter of Plymouth, 1763, 
July 15, and pushed with energy their plans. Eight men were 
employed here through the season of 1763 (Note G), and others the 
last part of the year, in preparing for families ; and some of these 
men spent the winter in the town. In the spring of 1764, the first 
families arrived (Note H). There is some conflict of testimony' as 
to the time and order of their coming ; but Abel Webster, John 
Willoughby, Jr., Silas Brown and others, were certainly here in 
June ; James Hobart and Zechariah Parker, probably ; and perhaps 
David Webster and Josiah Brown. Before the year ended, Jotham 
Cummings, James Blodgett, Samuel Dearborn, Ephraim Weston and 
Stephen Webster, with their families, had arrived, — all from Hollis, 
except Weston, Dearborn and Stephen Webster, who were from 
Chester. In the spring of 1765, so many were ready to go, that in 
April, the proprietors voted to hold their next meeting in Pl^-mouth ; 
and, May 19, they did meet at David Webster's. In 1767, when a 
census was taken, there were 227 inhabitants in this town. In 
Haverhill there were 172 ; Lebanon, 162 ; Hanover, 92 ; and Orford, 
75. No other towns in Grafton County are enumerated, and 
Plymouth shows a more rapid growth than any other of these 
towns. In 1774, the population was 345. 

Plymouth was chiefly a Hollis colony. Of the fifty-five 
names in the charter, besides those of Governor Wentworth 
and seven others, members of the council, or otherwise public 
men, two-thirds are Hollis men, counting as such half a dozen 
from the adjacent towns. And of the eightj'-three names which 
stand on a school-tax bill, in 1775, more than twenty are cer-s 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. M 

tainly from Hollis, and probably thirty (Note I). It was good 
blood, too, that Hollis had to give, and did give, to the new 
settlement. The high character which she has always maintained, 
and the large number of useful and eminent men whom she has fur- 
nished the world, indicate the quality of the original stock from 
which so many of the Plymouth settlers came, and of which, we may 
add, they did not prove themselves unworthy. They developed 
enterprise, sagacity, character, which we, who come after them, 
may well honor, while we commemorate. When they planted this 
town, they had no neighbors nearer than Haverhill above, and 
Bakerstown, now Franklin, below. There was no road for twenty- 
live miles, and when Colonel Webster drove the first ox-team to 
Plymouth, he must needs come along the intervales, and in 
the bed of the river. His wife accompanied him on horseback, 
with her infant son David in her arms. In after years, she could 
never describe, without tears, the incident of her arrival, in early 
evening, at Lieutenant Brown's camp, on the Lower Intervale, and 
the joy she felt when she sg-w the torch-light there. 

Some extracts, from a manuscript statement of Jotham Cum- 
mings, Jr., son of the early settler, will help us to appreciate what 
it cost the fathers to make homes here for themselves. He says : 

" My mother rode through from Hollis on horseback, brought a child on 
her lap, and baggage, which contained all her furniture to keep house with. 
Their sufteriugs for a few of the first years were most distressing. They had 
to go to the meadows and pull wild onions, and fry them in the fat of bear- 
meat, to subsist upon, without a morsel of bread. My father, with others, 
went to Concord on snow-shoes, with hand-sleds, and hauled up three 
bushels of corn-meal each ; and for a number of years,— as late as the 
Revolutionary War,— I well remember how good a piece of bread tasted, 
after being without it for three weeks.* Most of the efficient men were 
gone to meet the invading army of Burgoyne, and left their wives and 
children to be a prey to wild beasts and tories. In the night the woods 
Avould ring with the howling and fighting of wolves and other furious 
animals ; and, what was worse, alarms would frequently come down, that 
the British and Indians were coming upon us from Canada. I remember 
Avell, that on one Sabbath they had got down as far as Haverhill, and were 
hourly expected here. ■ Every man who had a gun carried it to the meeting- 
house, Avhere were assembled the women and children, to seek protection 
from the sanctuary. Though not five years old, I walked beside my mother, 
with an infant in her arms, three miles, to attend meeting ; most of the way, 

* And even in later years, the first settlers would be obliged to economize, by 
mixing the meal with mashed potatoes, in making bread. 
2 



10 PLYMOUTH, N. H. 

woods. Heads of families, wlietlier professors or uoii-pvoftssors, habitually 
taiiglit tlieir childien the Assembly's Catechism on the Sabbath; and our 
venerable Pastor collected the children once or twice a year, at the meetiiig- 
honse, to recite the catechism, and receive religious instruction." 

These closing sentences renoind us of facts which must not be for- 
gotten in the most summary account of the planting of Plymouth. 
The early life of the settlement fell upon those days of trial and of 
glory, when the nation was 'schooling itself in the ideas of freedom, 
girding on its armor, and fighting bravely and successful!}' the battle 
of independence. While the Plymouth men were subduing the 
forests, and making for themselves comfortable homes here, tliey were 
discussing also British 'aggressions upon thiir Colonial rights. The 
Stamp Act ; the Writs of Assistance ; the tax on tea ; the clos- 
ing of the port of Boston, — were gradually preparing the people for 
the hour of trial ; and when it came, they were not behind their 
neighbors in prompt and courageous service. At least three men 
from Plymouth were in the heat of the battle of Bunker Hill. 
Nahum Powers was a private in Colonel Prescott's regiment, which 
built the redoubt and fought from it ; and Josiah Brown and Samuel 
Dearborn were lieutenants in the regiment which, under Stark, threw 
up the rail-fence breastwork, and repulsed the British veterans so 
successfull)'. 

In October, 1775, the selectmen of Plymouth l^eported " eight men 
gone in the army." Of these, the first place, no doubt, belongs to 
David Hobart. Twenty years before, he had been a sergeant in 
Captain Powers's company, Colonel Joseph Blanchard's regiment, 
fighting for Crown Point and Ticonderoga ; and throughout that war, 
he proved himself so competent an officer, that when the Revolution- 
ary War broke out, he was appointed colonel of the r2th regiment. 
In this capacity he did good service, and, at the battle of Benning- 
ton, distinguished himself, leading the attack on the right wing of 
the British, which was the decisive stroke of the battle (Note J). 

David Webster was the worthy companion of Hobart. He had 
also served in the Seven Years' War, being i:i Captain Hazen's 
company in 1757 and in 1760, in the famous Ranger's corps of 
Rogers and Stark. The cannon of Bunker Hill, heard in Plymouth 
(Note K), summoned him to the field. He was appointed ensign in 
Hobart's regiment, and rose through all the grades, to its command. 
In this capacity, he served in Poor's New Hampshire brigade, at 
Saratoga, and shared in the memorable victory over Burgoyne 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 11 

(Note L). His brother, Amos Webster, commanded a company in 
Morgan's famous light artillery-, whose services were particularly 
effective in this campaign, and fell in the battle of Stillwater. 
Jotham Cummings was an officer in 1775, in a company of rangers, 
for the defence of the frontiers on Connecticut River ; and John 
Willoughby, besides other services, was one of the volunteers, and 
placed in command of a Coos company, when the approach of Bur- 
goyne summoned Stark and the whole State to their brave and suc- 
cessful attack ui)on him. And there were, of course, man}' others 
from Pl^'mouth, who, in humble stations, shared the perils and glor}' 
of the Revolution. Their names deserve to be reverently sought 
out, and carefulh' remembered. 

But Plymouth was not wholly patriotic. 1775, February 17, the 
town voted " That the Honorable John Fenton, Esquire, represent 
this Town in General Assembly." Previous to this time, Plymouth, 
like all the recently chartdred towns, had not been admitted to 
representation in the General Assembh", that body claiming the 
right, and contesting it warml}' and successfully with the Governor, 
to determine when towns should receive this privilege. Probably, 
authority had been received from Governor Wentworth for this 
Plymouth election : but when Fenton presented himself, with repre- 
sentatives from Lyme and Orford, they were promptly refused 
admittance. Possibly, politic motives, of favor at court, where he 
was evidently a favorite, may have influenced the selection of Fen- 
ton. But some distrust was felt, and they proceeded to instruct 
him. 

"Sir: We, the freeholders of the town of Plymouth, being highly im- 
pressed with the most favorable sentiments of you, from the many eminent 
services conferred on this County, and the town of Plymouth in particular, 
since your first acqnaintance with us, should think it needless, at any other 
time than this, to give you instructions respecting your conduct as our 
Representative in General Assembly. But when we reflect on the moment- 
ous aftairs now pending between Great Britain and her Colonies, and the 
imminent danger that threatens them (for we look upon the interest to be 
mutual), we trust that you will not construe oiu" instructing you to arise from 
any distrust or want of confidence, but from anxious wish and hearty desire 
to see the strictest harmony once more established between our parent state 
and her Colonies, according to their Charter and other rights, as they have 
been practised from the first accession of the august House of Hanover, to 
the time of the Stamp Act. We, therefore, think it our duty to instruct you 
as our Representative. 

" First. That you will do everything in your power to preserve the laws 



12 PLYMOUTH, N. IT. 

of tbe laud inviolate, and, by every legal uicaiis, prevent a diminution of 
them in every respect whatever ; for, should the people either throw them 
aside, or in any manner disregard them, we apprehend that anarchy and 
confusion must quickly ensue. 

"Secondly. We recommend to you in the strongest terms, to discounte- 
nance every act of oppression, either as to the perst)ns or properties of individ- 
uals, as we look upon such i)roceedings to he highly prejudicial to the common 
cause, and directly tending to fill the minds of the people with jealousies 
and distrusts, the bad effects of which must appear obvious to every man of 
common understanding. 

" Thirdly. We desire that you will not, on any account, give np, or in any 
manner suffer a diminution of the rights and privileges we now enjoy, as 
we live under good and wholesome laws ; and, 

Fourthly. That you will do the utmost in your power to keep harmony in 
the House, that the publick affairs of the Province may be discussed with 
coolness and impartiality ; much depending on such conduct at this time of 
our difficulties ; also, that you will endeavor to have the House open, that 
those out of doors may be Acquainted with the debates of their Members, 
the practice of secrecy heretofore used, tending much to the disquiet of 
numbers of their constituents." 

Fenton needed tbeir watching ; and we may surmise that his 
influence toned down these resohitions, and explains their cautious 
generalizations and the lack of the fervent patriotic tone with which 
so man}' towns spoke when Lexington and Bunker Hill were at 
hand. This man was the clerk of the court of Grafton Count}', which 
was established in 1773, and was doubtless a friend of Governor 
Wentworth, who appointed him. He did not return to Plymouth. 
He sent, from Portsmouth, April 25, a warning to the people of 
Grafton Count}', to stay at home and attq^d to their farming : 
saying, " I am informed, that if the People of the Back settlements 
take up arms, a number of the Indians & Canadians will fall upon 
them." The Provincial Congress asked his authority. He was 
forced to admit that he had none ; and he made himself so obnoxious 
to the patriots, that he was seized at the house of Governor "Went- 
worth, dispossessed of the records of the court, voted " not a friend 
to this country," and imprisoned at Exeter and at Hartford, where 
General Putnam's influence procured his release, on condition of 
his leaving the country.* 

We return to the history of the church. The charter does not 
contain the provision, so often inserted, requiring the proprietors to 

* See N. H. Prov. Records, vol. 7, page 445, and passim. 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 13 

settle a minister ; but it was not needed, to stimulate those Hollis 
men. Intending to make homes for themselves in the wilderness, 
these sons of Puritans and Pilgrims must needs take their church 
with them. 1764, April 16, they met in Hollis, and organized this 
church,— before a single family had come to Plymouth (Note M). 
The church is thus as old as the town, and older, by six months, 
than any other in Grafton County. I know of but one other instance 
of promptness like this among our New Hampshire towns, in laying 
the spiritual foundations. The church in Hampton, the first in the 
State, was formed in Massachusetts, and emigrated, with its pastor. 
Rev. Stephen Bacheler. And so substantially our fathers came to 
Plymouth. 

The same day the proprietors voted " to hire Mr. Nathan Ward, 
to preach four days in the township aforesaid, and that Ensign 
[David] Hobart wait upon Mr. Ward for that purpose." The warrant 
under which this action was taken, contained the clause, " To see 
what method the Proprietors will take about settling a minister at 
Plymouth"; and thus the name so honored in the history of the. 
town, is associated with it from the beginning. Mr. Ward came on 
in May, and a faded memorandum, in the handwriting of Deacon 
Willoughby, tells us, that on the 19th " Mr. W. preached, in the 
forenoon, from the P' chap, of Isaiah, and the 19 verse; and, 
in the aternoon, from Luke, the IS"' chapter and the 24"^ verse." 
This first sermon in Plymouth was preached at the house of Colonel 
David Webster. This was as early as the arrival of the first woman 
in town, and probably a little earlier. 

July 9th, "the proprietors voted (1) to allow Abel Webster 20 
pounds, old tenor, for boarding Mr. Ward twelve days, & (2) to give 
Mr. Ward a call to settle in the work of the Gospel ministry in 
Plymouth." September 6\ "Voted to hire 2 days. Preaching at 
Plymouth, this fall." It is not strange that Mr. Ward's decision 
was not immediate. Plymouth was in the wilderness and its pros- 
pects by no means assured. Tradition says, that he passed the 
winter in the settlement; but the proprietors found that farther 
action was necessary to secure his services; and, on the 12th of 
February, 1765, a meeting was held, " to see what encouragement 
they will give Mr. Nathan Ward to settle," etc. ; and it was voted, 
"to give Mr. AVard 150 ounces of silver, or the value of it in 
N. H. money ; as, also, 30 cords of wood, annually, until the town 
shall increase to the number of 100 families, & then to add 5 



14 PLYMOUTH, N. 11. 

ounces every year to his salary, till it amounts to 200 ounces, & so 
to remain during the time that he is able to earr_y on the work of the 
ministry." 2. Voted to give Mr. Ward Si 20 for his encouragement, 
etc., " besides the rights given him by the charter." 

There is much in -this action which, after the lapse of a centur}^ 
may instruct us. Observe the permanence of the relation in the 
ideas of the fathers. They had no thought that, after a few 3-ears, 
their pastor was to leave them for another field of labor. And the 
provision for his support was generous. An ounce of silver was 
reckoned at six shillings and eightpence ; and, at this rate, his 
salar}- was $166.66, with three-quarters of a year's salary added, as 
an " encouragement." AVhen increased, it would amount to $222. 
The right of land was sufficient for two good farms ; and this, with 
the wood and the smaller expense of living, makes it certain that 
few ministers in Grafton Count}- to-dav have as liberal a sup[)ort as 
the fathers gave Mr. Ward. And thej' would take no advantage of 
a depreciated currency. Hard money, or its equivalent, they 
promised. When the Revolution came, with its Continental cur- 
renc}', this provision would be like a gold salary, in these days of 
greenbacks, to a minister. 

These overtures Mr. Ward accepted; and, 23d April, 1765, the 
proprietors voted that David Hobart, John Brown, William Nevins 
and Stephen Webster be a committee to act in behalf of the pro- 
prietors of Plymouth, in respect to the ordination of Mr Ward. 
And, June 13, it was "voted to raise 17 pounds 15 shillings, old 
tenor, upon each right, for Mr. Ward's salary- for the year ensuing : 
& 12 pounds 15 shillings upon each right for Mr. Ward's settlement, 
and 3 pounds on each right for ordination expenses." This whole 
sum, taking the legislative assessment of the value of wheat the same 
j-ear, and reckoning old tenor at a quarter of the value of new tenor,, 
would be equivalent to 400 bushels of wheat. An ounce of silver 
would, at that time, purchase four or five times as much provisions 
as it will now. Abel Webster was the collector. 

Mr. Ward went to Newburyport for installation, July 10. He had 
there an influential friend, Ebenezer Little, who owned extensive 
rights of land around Livermore's Falls, and was thus interested in 
the development of Plymouth. " Hear him preach," was Mr. Little's 
suggestion to the council, when, not full}- satisfied with his examina- 
tion, or remembering, perhaps, his Separatist ordination in Newton^ 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 15 

they hesitated. And wlien he had preached, their doubts had 
vanished. 

Who was this man? His ancestor, William Ward, came from 
England about 1G46, and settled in Sudbury, Massachusetts. John, 
his son, removed to Newtown, now Cambridge, and there Joseph, 
the father of Nathan, was born and lived. He did not enjo^' 
the advantages of earl}' education ; but, led to Christ, under 
Whitefield's preaching, he found employment for his large natural 
endowments in the ministry. The friends of Whitefi.eld, not sat- 
isfied with the position of some of the churches and ministers, 
organized new churches, known as Separatists ; and Mr. Ward 
gathered such a church in Newton, and was ordained its pastor 
about 1750. They were called by their opponents, "New Lights," 
in derision, and encountered much ridicule and opposition. 
Although ordained clergymen were exempt from taxation, he 
was taxed ; but' remonstrated and sent a memorial to the town 
meeting in Newton, 1755, March 13, which does credit to his 
manly and Christian temper. 

How long Mr. Ward remained at Newton is uncertain ; but, in 
17G0, he was preaching in Newcastle, Maine, and, for a year or two, 
negotiations were in progress looking to his settlement there. 
Rumors that his dismission from Newton, and, perhaps, his Separa- 
tist settlement there had been irregular, were investigated by a com- 
mittee ; their report (1761, January 16), was ver}^ favorable to 
Mr. Ward. They still endeavored to settle him, but the town was 
not strong enough to undertake his support ; and the effort failed. 
Providence was reserving him for Plymouth, and guiding him 
thither ; and, at the appointed time, he was read}' to put his hand 
to the foundations here. 

He was no common man. Like his three immediate suc- 
cessors in office, he was tall, with a fine physique, and a 
voice of remarkable power. Tradition tells some rather incred- 
ible stories of the distance at which his preaching could be 
heard. It would be strange, in view of his lack of education, if he 
had been distinguished for scholarship ; but he was a hard-working 
minister, "■eminent for piety, zeal and earnest inculcation of the 
doctrines of grace.'" For thirty-two years he stood at his post. 
Through all the hardships of the early years, all the perils of the 
Revolution, all the responsibilities of the succeeding 3'ears, he 
led his people faithfull}-, — a pati'iot, and true spiritual shepherd, 



16 PLY3I0UTH, N. H. 

winning souls and commending himself to every man's conscience 
in the sight of God.* The infirmities of age led him to ask i-elease 
from pastoral care in 1798, after which he lived six years among his 
people, loving and beloved. Plymouth should hold his name in 
honor, and liis grave, in the Baker's River Cemetery, should be a 
hallowed spot. 

Mr. Ward's sermon, alluded to above, was certainly the first 
l)reached in Grafton County ; and no other town in this region, if in 
the State, was as prompt in planting the church and the ministr}' 
as Pl^'mouth. Haverhill and Newbury were occupied two years 
earlier ; bat Mr. Powers, their first minister, did not arrive till the 
autumn of 17G4, — five months later than Mr. Ward's coming to 
Plymouth. His call, too', must have been the first ; but the dela}- of 
his answ^er gave time for the installation of Mr. Powers, in February, 
before his own ; and Mr. Powers was thus the first pastor in the 
county. In Lebanon, the church was not organized until 17G8 ; in 
Orford, in 1770 ; and in Hanover and Lyme, in 1771. 

In the Proprietors' Record, two other references are made to Mr. 
Ward. 176G, Jul^^ 17, it was "Voted to give Mr. Ward the 
eleventh lot of intervale on Baker's River, instead of the Second in 
the great Horse Pasture, which was designed for the first settled 
minister." And, in 17G7, the3' "Voted to pay Abel Webster in 
common land, for the right he purchased for Rev. Mr. Ward's settle- 
ment." The place secured b}' this exchange to Mr. Ward, was that 
on wdiich he lived and died, on Meeting-house or Ward Hill, a little 
be^^ond the old church and the store, and now (18G5) belonging to 
Mr. Stafl^ord, a lineal descendant. The great Horse Pasture was on 
the Pemigewasset Intervale, opposite the village. Most of it is now 
on the Holderness side of the river, as the channel has changed, 
formerly running near the bluffs, on the east side. The object of 
the exchange was probably to secure to the pastor a residence more 
central, and nearer the probable location of the meeting-house. 

In 1767, the town voted to build a meeting-house. Until this was 
done, Mr. Ward must have preached from house to house, or, ver\' 
probabl}' , at Colonel Webster's, whose house was already a public 
house, — a prophecy, however humble, of the stately Pemigewasset, 
which has just been built on the same grounds. 

After much discussion, it was decided that the new house should 
stand at the foot of Ward Hill. The road then ran south-east from 

* In 1791, Dartmouth College conferred the honorary degree of A. M. upon him. 



I 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 17 

that point, and came into the present river road, near the carriage- 
shop, below the village. The meeting-house faced south on this 
road, standing a few rods south of Mr. Harris's house. Behind it 
stood " the whipping-post and stocks, designed for those who were 
disorderly on the Sabbath, and who were guilty of other crimes ; 
but they proved such a terror to evil-doers that they were seldom if 
ever used." This house was rude in architecture, though, doubtless, 
superior to the dvyellings of those who built it. It was of logs of 
uniform size, and hewed in the best manner ; fastened at the ends, 
neatly matched ; and the cracks were stopped with clay. It 
was about forty feet by fifty, and two stories high, with glazed 
windows. It had galleries on three sides. There was a square pew 
in each corner, and an elder's seat. The rest of the floor was occu- 
pied with long seats on each side of a central aisle. The right side 
and gallery were occupied by the women ; the left by the men. 
This house Avas first used in 17G8, though not finished till 1770. It 
stood till November, 1787, when it was burned. The town had 
been talking and voting for three years about a new cliurch, and the 
fire was supposed to indicate some person's unregulated zeal to 
hasten the building thereof. " This first church," we are told, '' was 
well filled on the Sabbath, as it was disreputable to be absent from 
public worship, or to refuse to pay the minister's tax. None had to 
stay at home for want of clothes, as the men wore tow frocks and 
went barefoot, and the women wore their check and home-spun 
gowns" ; and some of them went barefooted to the edge of the wood 
behind the old house, and there put on their Sunday shoes, which 
were taken off at the same spot on their return from meeting. The 
congregation was gathered from a circuit of nearly seven miles, in 
every direction. There were Ramseys from Rumney, Hazeltines 
from Hebron, Boardmans from Bridgewater, and Cooks and Merrills 
from Campton Bog. Indeed, in the earliest days, it was said, one 
or two families came from beyond Bristol ; and as late as 1830, Mr. 
Punchard's congregation represented nearly the same large circuit. 

After this old meeting-house was burned, worship was held in 
" King George's" barn, and at Colonel Webster's.* The second meet- 
ing-house, still standing on Ward hill, and recently sold at auction 

* Forty years ago there were at least half a score of different families of Georges 
in different parts of Plymouth, and among them the excellent Mr. Kiiig George, so 
named for a respected ancestor. On the first Sabbath on which a young candidate 
preached to this people, a notice was put into his hands to the effect that there would 



18 PLYMOUTH, N. H. 

by the town, which had to this time held its meetings there, was 
voted into being in 1783 ; but discussions of location and size were 
carried on till 1787. In March the town voted " to raise 100 pounds 
($333) towards building, in merchantable wheat & pease, at 5 shil- 
lings ($1.65) per bushel, r3e at 4 shillings, &, Indian corn at 3, by 
December 25, next." No man was to pay more than one-fourth 
of his tax in "pease." It was no small sum for the town to raise 
in the poverty of the times. William George, Benj. Goold and Lt. 
Brown were a committee to provide a frame, fifty-six by forty-five 
feet, in complete order to raise. In August Esquire Merrill and Lt. 
Bailey were added to the committee " to place the sills." In Sep- 
tember another committee was chosen " to make arrangements for 
raising the house." They were to secure one hundred men, fix the time, 
and give notice. In October, 1 787, the frame was raised " amidst the 
rejoicings of nearly the entire male population of the town." But 
the one hundred pounds would not finish the house, and the pews 
were sold at auction (or the right to build them in a chosen place) , 
to raise more money ; no one being permitted to bid who had not 
assisted so far. More than the appraisal was paid for the pews ; 
the whole sum realized being about $1,500. The first choice be- 
longed to Mr. Isaac Ward, in payment for the land on which the 
house stands. The second was bid off by Esquire George for $40. 

This house also was not finished for some years. A temporary 
scaffolding served for a pulpit : the singers occupied a long work- 
bench in the middle of the house, and rough board seats were used 
for some time. The pews were not put in the gallery till 1796. 
And stoves were not introduced for thirty or more j'ears after ! ! 

The records of the church during Mr. Ward's ministr}- are unfor- 
tunately lost, and of the history little is preserved. But the fidelity 
of the fathers in laying the spiritual foundations here received early 
reward in a powerful revival in 1767, when twenty were gathered 
into the church. Compared with the population this must have been 
the most general revival Plj-mouth ever enjoyed ; and Capt. Samuel 
Dearborn, its first convert, was probably the first person who made 
a public profession of religion in Grafton County. The Revolution- 
be a lecture at King George's on Tuesday evening. Supposing "King" was a niclt- 
name, and not knowing that the town was full of Georges, the young minister, after 
some hesitation, announced that there would be preaching at Mr. George's on Tues- 
day evening, to the utter bewilderment of the people, who might as well have been 
told that there would be preaching "somewhere " on Tuesday evenmg.— [Note by G.P.I 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 19 

ary period was very generall}' marked b}' spiritual declension among 
the churches, and no other revival is recorded here until 1790, and 
of this no details are preserved. 

The Baptists, in 17S0, secured b}' vote of the town exemption 
from paying minister's rates. In 1796 the town gave them the use 
of the meeting-house one-third of the time, but they did not long 
use it. A small church was organized in 1837, and for five years or 
more had som6 preaching in the school-houses ; but it soon became 
extinct. 

In April, 1798, after Mr. Ward's dismission, a meeting was called 
" to see if the town will take some probable & effectual measures 
to procure an honest, learned, ingenious, & well qualified candidate 
for the Gospel ministry." Samuel Emerson, Lt. Josiah Brown, Dea- 
con Elisha Bean, and Capt. AVilliam Webster were appointed a 
committee for this purpose. They procured Mr. Daniel Hard}', who 
preached for some months, and received a call to settle ii^ October, 
1798. But for some reason, not recorded, he was not installed. In 
1799 the same committee invited Mr. Drur}' Fairbank to preach 
here. He also received a " call," was offered a salary of 100 pounds 
($333.34), accepted, and was ordained 1800, January 8. The 
churches represented in the ordaining council were Holliston, Mass., 
Rev. Timothy Dickinson, pastor ; Concord, Rev. Asa McFarland ; 
Thornton, Rev. Noah Worcester ; Bpscawen, Rev. Samuel Wood ; 
Salisbury, Rev. Thomas Worcester ; Andover, Rev. Josiah Badcock ; 
Sanbornton, Rev. Joseph Woodman ; and Hebron, Rev. Thomas 
Page. 

Mr. Fairbank continued in this pastorate eighteen years, and was 
a useful minister. Dr. Stone, of Concord, says of him : " He was a 
man of great native kindness and sociability, very fond of societ}'^, 
and he would at times be jocose and gay, but never undignified nor 
compromising his ministerial character. In talents he was respecta- 
ble ; in scholarship not above mediocrity ; but in common-sense, 
discernment of character, and knowledge of men and things, few 
excelled him. His preaching was not very methodical, but orthodox, 
spiritual, and pungent, often eccentric and striking. In pastoral 
duties he was faithful and abundant, having a woi'd in season for all. 
His brethren esteemed and loved him." Mr. Bunchard adds, " He 
was one of the most genial and kindl}' old men I ever knew." 

Two seasons of spiritual refreshing blessed Mr. Fairbank's min- 
istry. One came soon after he was settled in 1800, and was quite 



20 PLYMOUTH, N. H. 

extensive, resulting in more than thirty conversions. And in 1815 
another revival added twenty to the church. 

Mr. Fairbank was settled and supported by the town. But 
*' minister's rates " were becoming unpopular, and man}' were restive 
under the charge. In 1818, therefore, when he found occasion to 
ask for an increase of salary or dismission, the town took the op- 
portunity' to rid itself of the system, and for this, more than for any 
personal unpopularit}', Mr. Fairbank was dismissed. The ncxtj'ear 
he removed to Littleton, where he was installed 1820, Ma}' 3. From 
this pastorate he was dismissed 1836, March 13, and retired to a 
farm on which the rest of his life was spent. 

Rev. Jonathan Ward succeeded Mr. Fairbank. He was not 
installed, although the church desired it ; but remained " acting 
pastor " for eleven years. A son of the first pastor, his first and 
only pastorate had been in Alna, Me., from which he was dismissed 
in 1818, July 22. He was eminently a faithful and devout minister, 
and the fruits of his labors here were doubtless more enduring than 
immediate. He sowed good seed, of which the harvesting was left 
to others. Not, however, that he did not himself see of the fruits. 
In 1820 a work of grace was enjoyed, and twenty-eight were added 
to the church soon after. And tokens of good were granted during 
the last year of his ministry, in which twenty members were received 
into the church. 

The last years of Mr. Ward's ministry were also distinguished by 
the great temperance reform. Previous to that time " the whole 
region was steeped in rum." The farmers were involved in debt to 
the storekeepers, many of the farms were mortgaged, and men were 
everywhere sinking to ruin through intemperance or moderate drink- 
ing. This temperance reform was very extensive and thorough in 
Plymouth and the vicinity, and during the great revivals of the 
succeeding years brethren were accustomed to speak of it as the 
work of John the Baptist before the coming of Christ. 

The first Methodist meeting-house was built in 1826 ; the old brick 
church in the west part of the town, which w-as taken down last 
spring. The church in the village was not built till 1833, and has 
been twice enlarged.* Until 1839 these churches were supplied 
with circuit preachers ; since that time preachers have been stationed 
in the town, and the church has been prospered. 

* In 1872 this meeting-house was sold and a fine new house erected ; a pleasant 
witness to the prosperity of this sister church. 



HISTOKICAL DISCOURSE. 21 

Mr. Ward preached his farewell sermon 1829, September 20. It 
produced a deep impression. The text was 2 Cor. xiii. 11 [Note N]. 
With great modesty, he reminded the church of his labors, his pray- 
ers and tears and watching, in earnest desire for their welfare. He 
spoke of his own infirmities, took blame to himself for the low estate 
of Zion, and said he was ready to unite with them in obtaining 
another pastor, who might with God's blessing be more useful. 
The hearts of the people were melted by his words ; every feel- 
ing of alienation was overcome ; deep seriousness was awakened in 
many minds b}^ the good man's earnest appeal, and the way was 
w^onderfull}^ prepared for the seasons of refreshing which quickly 
followed. 

" Father" Ward was a man of superior powers and fervent piety. 
He was tall and slender ; " with large, striking features, and bright 
blue eyes ; in speech, modest, moderate and gracious; singularly 
plain in dress, and absolutely unw^orldly in spirit ; eminent for variety 
and copiousness in prayer ; frugal, studious, reflective ; of heavenly 
temper, and so pure in life that no evil thing could be said of him." 
He was a man of prayer, and often spent much or all of Saturday 
night pleading for a Sabbath blessing. Once a Universalist called 
for argument, and, at his study door, overheard Mr. Ward praying 
for him. He soon renounced his former faith and found hope in the 
mercy of Christ. In the pulpit Mr. Ward's manner was bad, but 
the matter of his preaching was sound and strong. He was a 
clear and able reasoner, a thorough Calvinist. He had no worldly 
wisdom, but preached the strong doctrines of the Bible, with the 
utmost plainness. He went from Pl^'mouth to Brentwood, where 
he supplied the church three or four ^-ears, and spent his closing 
years in the famil}- of his daughter there, often preaching for sur- 
rounding churches. He was especially interested in the study of 
the prophecies, finding comfort and hope in the millennarian theory 
of Christ's second advent. 

The Sabbath succeeding Mr. Ward's farewell, Mr. George Puuch- 
ard was engaged to supply the pulpit. But he was suddenly 
attacked with brain fever, and months elapsed before he was able to 
visit Plymouth. In the emergency, Rev. .lames Hobart, tlien on a 
visit to his native town, was employed. He entered at once, with 
all his characteristic earnestness, into the labors for which Father 
Ward had prepared the Avay, and went from house to house, preach- 
ing in every neighborhood, and pleading with men to be reconciled 



22 rLYMOUTII, N. II. 

to God. And when Mr. Piinchnrd was nble to come to Plymouth, 
he really found a revival of religion in progress. 

Mr. Hobart, though never a pastor, has good title to be remem- 
bered in Plymouth. One of the first born children of the town, a 
son of James Hobart, and a ministerial child of this church, he was 
called at this time to do Plymouth a service, which, though not 
protracted, was of inestimable value. He had just been dismissed 
from a pastorate of thirty years, at Berlin, Vt., where he gathered 
a Congregational church and labored with fidelity and success. 
Three powerful revivals blessed his ministr}^ there, in one of 
which fifty-six united with the church, and he left it with more than 
a hundred members. His later years were given to labors in the 
home missionary fields of Vermont and New Hampshire ; too many 
to be catalogued here. I doubt if the full list is recorded anj'- 
where, except on high. He seemed to know no weariness of 
body or mind, if he might preach Christ to men. After he was 
ninety years old he preached on one Sunday in three places, walk- 
ing from his home seven miles to the first, then five to the next, 
and five more to the last. And a month before his death he walked 
seven miles on his wa}' to Norwich, Vt., to the General Convention 
[Note J]. 

Mr. Pnnchard was ordained 1830, March 11, and begun his mem- 
orable ministry. By God's blessing it was more fruitful than any 
other which Plymouth has enjoyed. The way was prepared for his 
coming; and the times were propitious, in that it was a pei-iod of 
extensive and powerful revivals. But the fact should still be em- 
phasized, that for the rich and peculiar mercies granted to this 
church, much was due to the earnest and faithful preaching, and 
the wise pastoral labors of Mr. Punchard. Although he is still 
living, his ministerial work ended in Plymouth more than thirty 
years ago, and may therefore be properly regarded as a matter of 
history. He was a sound and acceptable preacher, understood 
men well, and had great practical sagacity. His piety was genuine 
and natural, and he was devoted to his work ; a true shepherd of 
the flock. He not only worked himself, but he knew how to inspire 
others, and develop their activity ; and under his training, the 
church was led to unusual practical efficiency.* 

* One peculiarity of Mr. Punchard's ministrations at Plymouth, was the introduc- 
tion of expository discourses into the regular Sunday serrices. During his entire 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 23 

The spiritual work which had really begun before Mr. Ward's 
farewell, continued in power, and for six years the church enjoyed 
almost a continuous revival. The first protracted meeting was 
held soon after Mr. Punchard's ordination. Ministers were present 
from neighboring churches for thirty or forty miles around, 
of whom Dr. Nathan Lord of Dartmouth College, Rev. Samuel 
Goddard of Norwich, Vt., Rev. Robert Blake of Piermont, and Rev. 
Daniel Sutherland of Bath, all men of wonderful powers, are specially 
remembered. Of this meeting I can give some descriptive words, 
from Mr. Punchard's sermon, when bidding farewell to the old 
church : — 

" The scenes which we witnessed, and the influences which manj of us felt, 
in this house, can never be forgotten. On the last day of that meeting, par- 
ticularly, there were tokens of the divine presence in this place such as I 
have rarely if ever since witnessed. Who that was present, will ever for- 
get the last afternoon ! The stillness of death reigned. Those who were 
not convinced, were awed. The arrows of the Almighty had been fastened 
in many hearts ; the church trembled, lest they should be drawn forth, and 
the wounds healed by other hands than His who made them. But their 
fears were groundless ; God was present. He gave wisdom to the simple, 
and power to the weak. ... It was felt to be holy ground ; and the place of our 
assembling was shaken by the hand of Him whose presence filled it. The 
Holy Ghost came down upon us (I had almost said), like a mighty rushing 
wind, and filled all the place. . . . Language can hardly exaggerate the deep 
solemnity and thrilling interest of the last hours of that meeting." 

The whole town was moved. The men of influence in the 
parish were nearly all converted. People came from far to attend 
the meetings, — eight and ten miles and more. More than one 
hundred members were received to the church in 1830 and 1831. 
The influences of the good work were lasting, and bless us still. 

In 1832, again, the Holy Spirit's influences were specially manifest. 
And 1835 was also a year of comparative prosperity. A protracted 
meeting Avas held in the early part of the year, and Christians were 
deeply interested. In August the General Association met in 
Plymouth, and left gracious influences. The impenitent were much 

ministry, of about fourteen years, bis habit was to occupy the forenoon of every 
Sunday with the exposition, in course, of a portion of Scripture, followed by prac- 
tical remarks and applications. In this way the entire New Testauieut, and cousid- 
eral)le portions of the Old Testament, were brought under a critical and experimen- 
tal consideration, in the course of his ministry; and these careful and systematic 
expository discourses he always regarded as the best and most etfective part of 
his ministerial labors. 



24 PLYMOUTH, N. 11. 

awakenerl. Bat at this time the church did not seem as fully 
aroused as in the earlier season, and the blessing did not become 
as general as for a time it promised to be. 

The question of a new meeting-house was now demanding atten- 
tion. In fifty 3'ears of use the old house had become uncomfortable, 
and must have repairs. It was owned by the town, which caused 
friction when improvements were needed. This, too, made it often the 
scene of hot political strife, not in keeping with God's house. And 
changes in population made it less convenient for the majority of 
worshippers. There was, of course, agitation and opposition ; but 
the result was the building of this house, which was first occupied 
in 1837, January 1, having been dedicated the week previous. In 
bidding farewell to the old house, the pastor preached an impressive 
and valuable sermon from Exodus xxxiii. 15, reviewing the historj^ 
of it and the scenes it had witnessed. There the fathers worshipped 
for fifty years ; there the spiritual life of many had been awakened 
or quickened, and the Spirit had been poured out in wonderful 
power. Hallowed associations should still cluster around it and the 
place and hill, " beautiful for situation," on which it stood. 

The later years of Mr. Punchard's ministry were disturbed some- 
what by the local mutterings of the great anti-slaver}^ conflict. The 
position of the majority of the church, and of the pastor, was 
not unlike that of the body of the churches. But some leading and 
able members came into ardent sympathy with men and opinions 
sincerely believed to be dangerous and infidel, and the strife 
assumed very trying phases in its heat. Mr. Punchard and the 
church were assailed in the newspapers, in the bitterest terms, and 
felt it their duty to separate themselves from three or four of the 
hostile members. It is too soon, even yet, for a thoroughly dispas- 
sionate estimate of those days ; but the light of recent events will 
help us to a better understanding of them. Mr. Garrison's position 
is certainly very much modified, and if death had spared his scarcely 
less able follower, N. Peabody Ilogers, the sun of his life might 
have come to a different setting. 

In the spring of 18-12, Mr. Punchard's health became impaired, 
and his voice entirely failed. Alter six months' absence, he re- 
turned ; but soon found himself unable to resume pastoral labor. In 
March, 1843, he submitted to the church the alternative of dismis- 
sion or a year's release. Reluctant to lose their loved pastor, they 
chose the latter. But after a long voyage he was still disabled ; 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. , 25 

and while be was again absent at sea the council met, which 
advised his dismission. He preached his last sermon in Plymouth, 
in December, 1844. Going to Boston he became joint proprietor 
and editor of the " Daily Evening Traveller " newspaper, and con- 
tributed to make it one of the best newspapers of the land. After 
eleven years he became Secretary of the N. E. Branch of the Amer- 
ican Tract Society for a time ; but afterwards- returned again to the 
'• Traveller." He has also continued the studies, begira in Plym- 
outh, into the . polity and history of Congregationalism ; and his 
" View," and " History," in new editions, are already standards in 
our religious literature. 

During Mr. Punchard's disability, and after his dismission, Rev. 
Enoch Corser supplied the church for a year or more. Rev. J. U. 
Parsons was also briefly employed. In 1845, March, Rev. William 
R. Jewett came to Plymouth. He had been six years pastor in 
Griswold Ct. His ministry here continued seventeen years. He 
was installed at Fisherville, 1863, September 16, and dismissed, 
1874, September 10. Of his labors, so recent and familiar to 3-ou, 
it would scarcely be proper for me to speak particularly; but 
you would expect me to recognize the learning, the zeal and the 
fidelity which characterized them. A very healthful spiritual con- 
dition marked the early years particularly, and in three years, from 
1846, forty-eight members united with the church. The present 
vestry was built during his ministry in 1851. 

His successor. Rev. Henry A. Hazen, came to Plymouth in 
October, 1862. The table of pastors appended [Note O] contains 
all I need say of him. 

It would be pleasant to gather up and record many interesting 
memorials of good men and women, who have been members of this 
church, but space and time forbid. The field would aflford rich 
gleanings. The officers, however, should have mention. The 
deacons have been Stephen Webster, Francis Worcester, John Wil- 
loughby, Benjamin Goold, Elisha Bean, Joshua Fletcher, Jotham 
Cummings, Asa Robbins, Ebenezer Bartlett, Jr., James Morrison, 
Alvah McQuesten, David Clough AVebster, Washington George, 
William Wallacs Russell, Jr., and Simeon Sanborn. 

" Elder " Stephen Webster (Note L) was born in Chester, 

1717-18, February 18, and the ancestor of all the Plymouth 

Websters. He taught the first school in town, and was a most 

worthy man. Francis Worcester was a man of high standing 

4 



26 PLYMOUTH, N. H. 

and cl)aracter in Ilollis ; often an officer of the town and moder- 
ator of its meetings, as he was also in Plymouth. There was 
scarcely a more valuable man among the first settlers. John 
Willoughby came with his father in the first exploring party who 
selected the location of Plymouth, and was here in May, 17G4 ; per- 
haps had spent the winter in town. July 20 he set out for Monson, 
an old town, which in 1770 was divided- between HoUis and Am- 
herst, to visit his family ; and 1765, October 5, he " came to Plym- 
outh with" his " family, in the 30th year of his age." No man has 
been longer or more honorabl}" connected with this church. He died 
in 1834, June 22, aged 98, having been a member of the church sixty- 
nine years, and a deacon sixty-seven years. At his funeral his pastor 
said he was one of the, most perfect examples of a blameless and 
holy old age he had ever known, and that ever}' remembrance of him 
was pleasant and honorable. Joshua Fletcher was a man of good 
attainments and piety. In 1798 he removed to Bridgewater, and 
became acting pastor of the branch of Hebron church in that town — 
an office which he held for more than twenty j^ears. His son, long 
the only deacon of that church, was buried from Holderness last 
Sabbath. 

Deacon Bartlett was no common man. He came from Newbury- 
port, and was half brother of the founder of Andover Theological 
Seminary. He had a good mind and deep piety, excellent judgment, 
suavity of manner, and carried the savor of his profession wherever 
he went. He was so kindly, gentle and natural in manner that he 
talked with all on religious subjects without offence. " He alwaj's 
reminded me," Mr. Piinchard says, " of the Apostle John, and I re- 
garded him as the purest and most lovable of men with whose 
acquaintance I was ever blest." 

Deacon Robbins was an excellent man ; and David Clough Web- 
ster is entitled to a warm tribute in our memories to-day. His death, 
in 1862, was a loss which the church still and deeply- feels. 

Of the deacons still living, I must not say more than to bear testi- 
mony to their worth. Justly estimated, I think we should find no 
reason to say that "the former days were better than these." And 
there is one other name which deserves mention here : Mr. William 
Green was for twent}' years the faithful, exact, and admirable clerk 
of the church. His records are neat and full, and whoever has 
occasion to trace the history of the church will wish that they had 
always been kept as well. He is the only layman who has long held 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 27 

the office, and your experience should dispose you hereafter to entrust 
these duties to the hands of your laymen. And in the Sabbath 
school, tract distribution, and all charitable activity, the church needs 
more like Mr. Green, — earnest, devout, and ready workers. 

Of ministers, this church has not been a fruitful mother. It 
began well with " Father Ward " and James Hobart, but only four 
other names can be added to the list. 

For convenience I group these names with those of the pastors in 
a table [Note O], and add here a few words. 

Jonathan Ward, Jr., son of Rev. Jonathan, was a young man of 
much promise, and his early death, three months after his settlement 
at Biddeford, was deeply lamented. James Wilson Ward, his 
brother, was a thorough scholar, a sound theologian, and an effect- 
ive preacher. His ministry in Abington was honored and useful. 
He was acting pastor in Lakeville, Mass., from 1863 to 1869, and 
resided there till his death. The Rev. William H. Ward, oriental 
scholar and editor of the "■ Independent," and James W. Ward, Jr., 
Andover, 1865, are his sons. Milton Ward, son of Benjamin, 
studied medicine, and practised in Windham. After the death of his 
first wife, he read theology, and was settled a short time pastor at 
Hillsborough. He then became a presbyter of the Protestant Epis- 
copal Church, and did mission service in many places, — in Lynn, 
Nashua, and Michigan, — and died at Detroit. He printed some ser- 
mons of merit, and published a volume of poems which were praised 
by so good authorit}" as the "North American Review" (vol. 29, 
p. 49). Nathan Ward, son of Samuel, began life as a blacksmith; 
then read medicine in Coventry, Vt., and went as a medical mission- 
ary to Ceylon in 1833. Besides medical duties, he superintended the 
mission schools. In 1846 he returned, practised his profession in 
Burlington, Vt., till 1853 ; received evangelist ordination, and was 
acting pastor at North Troy and Westfield till 1860. He then pro- 
posed to return to Ceylon, and sailed October 30, but died at sea, 
November 29. A faithful and a good man. 

William J. Tucker was sou of Henry and Sarah W. (Lester) 
Tucker, but nephew and adopted son of Rev. William R. Jewett. 
After a fruitful ministry of nine years in Manchester over the 
Franklin Street Church, he has just been installed, 1875, May 12, 
over the Madison Square Presbyterian Church in New York 
City. 



28 PLYMOUTH, N. H. 

Three ministers have found their wives in Plymouth. Milo P. 
Jewett, LL.D., an eminent Baptist minister and educator, was mar- 
ried, in 1834, to Jane, daughter of Hon. Moore Russell. Rev. C3'rus 
Richardson married, 1871, Jan. 18, Annie, daughter of B. B. Dear- 
born ; and Rev. William J. Tucker, 1870, June 22, married Char- 
lotte H., daughter of John Rogers. To her it is onl}^ an act of 
justice here to say, that most of the labor of preparing the very 
complete tables in the Manual, published in 1867, was done b}- her. 

The General Association of New Hampshire has three times met 
in Plymouth— in 1813, 1835, and 1849. In 1813 the Moderator was 
Rev. Isaiah Potter, of Lebanon, and Scribe, Rev. John H. Church, 
of Pelham. Subjects of discussion and action were the report of 
the Committee upon the measures which resulted in founding 
Kimball Union Academy, the Religious Tract Committee, the Plan 
for the Widow's Charitable Fund ; also to establish a cotton factory, 
and by its profits secure funds for the Missionar}' Society ! More 
practicable than the last were the Temperance Resolutions, one recom- 
mendation being to the Ministerial Associations and Ecclesiastical 
Bodies to exclude the use of ardent spirits from their meetings. 
Sermons were preached by Rev. Eli Smith, of Hollis, Rev. Wm. F. 
Rowland, of Exeter, and Rev. James Murdock, of Massachusetts. 

At the meeting in 1835, Dr. Barstow, of Keene, was Moderator, 
and Rev. Samuel Harris, of Windham, preacher ; 2,158 additions to 
the church were reported ; more than 2,000 b}' profession. Tem- 
perance, the baptized children of the church, and the use of the 
Catechism, and the Sabbath, were among the subjects of discussion. 
The Trustees of Gilmanton Academy and of Holmes Plymouth 
Academy" came before the Association for support in their plans to 
establish theological schools ; but the Association wisely declined to 
assume responsibility for either. The Gilmanton plan went for- 
ward to a short-lived and doubtful success. The Plymouth Trustees 
appointed Rev. B. P. Stone, of Campton, Professor of Theology ; 
but no class was formed, and the enterprise died. 

An incident of this meeting is recorded by Dr. Boutou. "The 
celebrated lecturer on slavery, — George Thompson, of P^ngland, the 
guest of N. P. Rogers, Esq., — was present, and a request was made 
that he might be allowed to speak on the subject. A sudden and 
intense excitement arose ; most of the audience were on their feet. 
Even the calmness and meekness of the venerable Secretar}', Dr. 
Church, was disturbed. Rising in his place with the decision and 



HISTORICAL DISCOURSE. 29 

authorit}' which could be better assumed bj^ him than any other 
man (he had been Corresponding Secretar}'^ from the beginning, in 
1809, and remained so till his death, in 1840), he said, ' That 
subject is inadmissible here ! ' And it was not then admitted." 

In 1849, John M. Whiton, D.D,, was Moderator. Preachers: 
Thomas Savage, of Bedford, and Professor D. J. No^-es, of. Dart- 
mouth College. The topic of Christian union was considered, and 
resolutions were passed upon the subject of slavery, and commend- 
ing the position of the A. B. C. F. M. upon it. 

Plymouth has always had musical talent for the service of song. 
More than fifty years ago, Jacob Merrill was the zealous and good 
leader of the choir, and his children's children to-day are only true 
to their family history in the fidelity with which they assist the 
praises of God's house. 

The Sabbath school was established here during Mr. Jonathan 
Ward's ministry. Probably a good lady had such a school earlier ; 
but it was not permanent. At first it was held in the school- 
houses, and in the morning. The present arrangement, between 
the services, was not adopted till 1837. Since that time its super- 
intendents have been William Greene, Wm. W. Russell, Deacon 
McQuesten, Deacon George, and Deacon Russell, and its work has 
been done with efficiency. 

In the enterprises of Christian benevolence, Plymouth has always 
taken much interest. The monthly concert was early established, 
and long held on Monday afternoon. It then secured a more general 
attendance, and the collections then taken made a larger proportion 
of all that was given to the cause of missions. In 1830, these col- 
lections averaged $4.45 per month; in 1831, $8.56. This year, 
they have been $5.17. In 1834, the whole sum raised for benevo- 
lent objects was $683, half of it for the Education Society. In 
1841, $361 were reported ; last year, $480. iS'ot the progress, 
certainl}^ which the calls of Providence and the prosperity God has 
given demands. 

In the national conflict, which has issued in rebellion and emanci- 
pation, this church has given no uncertain sound. Its S3'rapathy 
for the slave found earlj^ and energetic expression, and in the war 
we have done what we could, both by prayer and labor, for the 
triumph of justice and libert}'. In the various charities which the 
needs of the soldiers and the suttering have evoked, we have gladly 
borne part. We rejoice, with deep and devoted thanksgiving to 



30 PLYMOUTH, N. II. 

the God of battles, in the return of peace, the salvation of the 
Union, and the overthrow of slavery ; and we trust that the God of 
our fathers will be with their children, and make the future of our 
dear country more beneficent and glorious than the past has ever 
been. 



Postscript, 1875 



The histor}' of the past ten 3'ears would record the ministr}^ of 
Mr. I^ichardson, during which the church was repaired and greatly 
Improved, and an excellent organ procured ; the establishment of 
the State Normal School in Plymouth, bringing some increase of 
strength and congregation, and more of responsibility to the church, 
and a pleasant gain in the number of chm'ch-members, fort3'-nine 
being received, thirty-eight by profession. Since the ordination of 
Mr. Scott, thirt}' have been added to the church, twenty-five b}^ 
profession. A parsonage was built in 1874 ; and the members 
reported in the Minutes were 155 — males, 34 ; females, 121 ; with 
25 non-resident. Altogether, the outlook of this church for the 
futui'e is one which may cheer its members, while it incites them to 
renewed fidelity. May the next centennial record still more glori- 
ous fruits of Christian labor, more assured progress towards the 
coming and kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. 



NOTES. 31 



:n^otes. 

Note A (page 5). — William Little, Esq., of Manchester, author of the 
valuable History of Warren, has investigated the conflicting accounts of 
Captain Baker's expedition with care, and I am indebted to his Avork for 
the substantial correctness (as I believe) of the narrative given. Cap- 
tain Thomas Baker was born in Northampton, 1682, May 14. In 1709, 
February 27, he was captured by the Indians, and taken with them up 
the Connecticut River to Lake Memphremagog. He was ransomed in 
1710. In Canada, he no doubt met a young English woman, who, when 
three months old, Avas taken captive with her mother, named Otis, at 
Dover, in 1689, at the time of the great massacre in which Major Wal- 
dron was killed. She had accepted her fate, been educated by the priests, 
and married an Indian. But, in 1714, her husband having died, the 
desire sprang up, awakened, perhaps, by her acquaintance with Baker, 
to return to her friends She was permitted to do so, married Captain 
Baker, and united with the church in Northampton. A Catholic priest 
sent her a long letter, in the hope of reclaiming her, which, with a reply 
written by Governor Burnett, of Massachusetts, is published in " New 
Hampshire Historical Society's Collections," vol. 8, p. 405. They after- 
wards removed to Dover, where Captain Baker died, about 1753, and his 
wife in 1773. Their son. Col. Otis Baker, was a leading man in Dover, 
and often represented the town in the Assembly. 

Note B (page 6).— See "New Hampshire Provincial Records," vol. 
vi., pages 161, 199, 321, and passim. 

These Records are of great value, and their publication is creditable to 
the State, which is fortunate in the services of so competent an editor for 
the work as Dr. Bouton. It should be carried to completion, in the same 
thorough and libei-al spirit which has prosecuted it so far. 

Note C (page 7). — See Powers' " Coos Country," p. 17 and ff. The 
undoubted value of this little volume is impaired by the freedom with 
which it takes statements on trust without careful comparison with 
accessible records. Its errors are numerous. 

Note D (page 8).— Captain John Hazen, the first settler of Grafton 
County, was descended in the fourth generation from Edward Hazen > 
who came from England and settled in Rowley, Mass., in 1648 He was 
son of Moses Hazen, and nephcAV of Richard, the surveyor of the line 
between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and was born in PlaistoAV, 
N. H., 1731, August 11. In the French and Indian war he was an efficient 



32 PLYIMOUTII, N. H. 

officer, and in the Crown Point expedition of 1757 he was first lieutenant 
in Captain Jacob Bailej^'s company, Colonel Meserve's- regiment. In 
1758 he was a captain under Colonel Hart. In 1760, Colonel John Goffe 
raised a regiment for the expedition to invade Canada, in which Hazen 
was again captain, and David Webster was in his company. This force 
spent forty-four days in cutting a road from " No. 4" to the Green Moun- 
tains, Avhich they crossed, " packing or hauling their stores over the 
mountains on horse-barrows." 

After his return he removed to Haverhill, Mass., but soon joined his 
friend. Colonel .Jacob Bailey, in the enterpi'ise, which the war had sus- 
pended and modified, of settling the " Cohos Country," and obtained the 
charter of Haverhill, N. H. In a few years he removed to St. Johns, 
Canada. Hei*e he amassed a competence, but, espousing the patriot 
cause, he was forced to leave the country with General Sullivan's re- 
treating army, and his fine residence was burned to prevent its afi'ording 
shelter to the enemy. • He raised a battalion of his French neighbors and 
others, and did such good service for his country that he was advanced 
to the position of a general oflicer. This last statement rests on the 
authority, generally excellent, of Colonel C. E. Potter's Military History 
of New Hampshire, above referred to. But I have a suspicion that some- 
thing of General Moses Hazen's later experience has been credited to 
Captain John Hazen. He settled in Albany, where he suffered from par- 
al}sis in 1785, and died a few years after. General Moses Hazen, 
who cut and gave his name to " Hazen's Road" through northern 
Vermont in 1779, was his brother, born 1733, June 1. He passed 
through a similar expea'ience in Canada. He commanded a regiment in 
the Revolutionary War, which was selected by Congress to receive all 
foreigners who were willing to serve, was known as ' Congress' Own,' 
and was independent of any state connection. He was made brigadier- 
general by brevet, 1781, June 2. Died in Troy, N. Y., 1803, February 4. 
See " Adjutant-General's Report, New Hampshire," 1866, vol. 2, p. 211, 
and " Governor and Council," Montpelier, Vt., 1873, vol. 1, p. 218. 

Note E (page 8).— This statement was made on the authoi-ity of 
Farmer & Moore's " Gazetteer," confirmed by the undoubted tradition in 
Plymouth that when the settlers first came to the town there was no 
other settlement between Haverhill and Stevenstown (Franklin). Rev. 
Isaac Willey's " Histoi-ical Discourse" at Campton, since published, 
claims a settlement in that town in 1762, but the evidence adduced is not 
conclusive, and I leave the account first given without change, except to 
add here an interrogation. 

Note F (page 8).— John Willoughby's statement to Rev. Mr. Ptoch- 
ard, preserved in his funeral sermon. 

Note G (page 8). — Proprietor's Record. 



NOTES. 



33 



Note H (page 8).— Captain David Webster, carried in his mother's 
arms to Plymouth, assured Mr. Punchard that she was the first woman 
in town. But the notice of Colonel Webster, his father (in Farmer & 
Moore's " Collections," vol. 3, p. 270), says they began housekeeping, 17 
November, 1764. Either some error of the month has crept into this 
date, or the emphasis on housekeeping is intended to suggest that the 
arrival was earlier. The known facts of the progress made that year, 
make it incredible that there were not women in town before November • 
and if their going had been so long delayed, they would probably have 
waited till spring, rather than faced a Plymouth winter for the first time 
at that season of the year. 



Note I (page 9).— It is due to these grantees and early settlers that 
their names should be recorded here. I give them alphabetically, "h" 
indicates residence in Hollis, or, in three or four cases, a town adjoining ; 
" p," settlement in Plymouth ; and " c," a member of the governor's 
council or legislature. 



Ames, Stephen.'' 
Atkinson, Theodore.<^ 
Atkinson, Theodore, Jr." 
Blanchard, Joseph, Esq.'' 
Blood, EInathan.b 
Blood, Elnathan, Jr.'' 
Brown, John.'> p 
BroAvn, Josiah.*" p 
Cowan, James. 
Cummings, Ebenezer.h 
Cummings, Jotham.*" p 
Cummings, Samuel, Esq.'' 
Cummings, Samuel.'' 
Cummings, William.'' 
Davis, Thomas. 
Emerson, David, Jr.ii 
Gaffield, Nath'l. 
Goodhue, Samuel.'' 
Hale, Samuel. 
Hartshorne, Ebenezer.'' 
Harvell, John. 



Grantees of Plymouth. 
Hildredth, Jacob. 
Hobart, David.'' p 
Hobart, Gershom.'' p 
Hobart, James.'' p 
Hobart, John.'' 
Hobart, Jonathan.'' 
Hobart, Peter.ii(p?) 
Johnson, Jonathan.'' 
Keyes, Abner.'' 
Keyes, Jonas. 
Lawrence, Oliver.'' 
Lund, Phineas. 
McCluer, Thomas. 
McCluer, William. 
Marsh, Onisephorus. 
Merrill, Moses. 
Merrill, Thomas. 
Nabor, James. 
Nevins, William.'' 
Nutting, William. 
Patten, Matthew, Esq.<: 



Parker, Benjamin.'' 
Parker, Oliver. 
Parker, Zechariah.'' p 
Peirce, Richard.'' 
Phelps, John.'' 
Phillips, Amos. 
Powers, Francis.'' 
Powers, Nahum.'' p 
Powers, Stephen.'' 
Read, William.'' 
Smith, Col. Joseph." 
Temple, William, Esq." 
Thompson, Samuel. 
Underwood, James." 
Warner, Joseph. 
Weare, Meshech." 
Webster, Abel.'' p 
Wentworth, Benning." 
Willoby, John.'' 
Willoby, John, Jr.'' p 
Wright, David. 



Ambrose, Samuel. 
Barnes, James. 
Bean, Elisha. 
Blodgett, Ebenezer. 
Blodgett, Ebenezer, Jr. 
Blodgett, James, 
Blodgett, Jeremiah. 

6 



Names on School Tax Bill in Plymouth, VJlb. 



Brown, John.'' 
Brown, Lt. Josiah.'' 
Brown, Silas.'' 
Calfe, John. 
Cowan, John. 
Cummings, Jothara.'' 
Dearborn, Benjamin. 



Dearborn, Benjamin, Jr. 

Dearborn, Peter. 

Dearbora, Samuel. 

Dow, Moses. 

Draper, Jacob. 

Durkee, David. -- 

Eliot, Edmand, of Campton. 



34 



PLYMOUTH, N. H. 



Emerson, Dr. Peter.'' 
Emerson, Samuel.'' 
Evins, Edward. 
Pent on, John. 
Fiske, Amos. 
Fletcher, Gershom.'' 
Goold, Benjamin. 
Grenough, William. 

Hardy, . 

Hartshorne, Ebenezer.' 
Harvell, James. 
Hobart, Col. David."' 
Hobart, Gershom.'' 
Hobart, James.'' 
Hull, George, 
Hull, Nathanael. 
Keyes, Ephraim. 
Keyes, Jonas.'' 
Lovejoy, Phineas. 
Lucas, Thomas. 
Lund, Ephraim. 



Merrill, Jacob, Esq. 
McCluer, Thomas. 
Marsh, Onisephorus. 
Marsh, Jacob. 
Marsh, Samuel. 
Nevins, David. 
Parker, Eleazer. 
Parker, Zechariah.'' 
Patterson, George. 
Phillips, Amos.'' 
Phillips, Benjamin. 
Powers, Nahum.'' 
Ramsay, Hugh. 
Read, Joseph.'' 
Richardson, Zebediah. 
Ryan, James. 
Simpson, William. 
Snow, Widow Miriam. 
Stearns, Peter. 
Tatton, William. 
Taylor, Edward. 



Thompson, Amos. 
Ward, Enoch. 
Ward, Jonas. 
Webber, John. 
Webster, Abel." 
Webster, Amos.'' 
Webster, David.'' 
Webster, Nathanael. 
Webster, Stephen. 
Wells, Benjamin. 
Wells, Jonathan. 
Wells, Paul. 
Wells, Winthrop. 
Wheeler, Daniel. 
Wheeler, David. 
Wheeler, JoseJ;)h. . 
Wheeler, Thomas. 
Willoughby, John.'' 
Worcester, Francis.'' 
Wright, Dr. Abijah. 



Note J (page 10). — Rev. Peter Hobart, born in Hingham, England, 
in 1604, came to this country in 1635, and was installed the first pastor 
in Hingham, Mass., September 18, where he died 1679, January 20. Of 
eight sons, four graduated at Harvard, — Joshua and Jeremiah in 1650, 
and Gershom and Nehemiah in 1667, — and all became "respectable" min- 
isters. Nehemiah was settled in Newton 40 years ; Joshua in Southold, 
L. I., and Jeremiah in Topsfield, Mass., and Haddam, Ct. ; was grand- 
father of David Brainerd, the missionary. Gershom was ordained the 
second pastor in Groton, Mass., 1679, November 26. He was dismissed 
1704-5, January 22, and died 1707, December 19, aged 62. His son 
Gershom was the father of Gershom, Jonathan and John, of the Plym- 
outh grantees, and his son Peter the father of Peter, David and James. 
Colonel David Hobart was born 1722, August 21, and was one of the 
most active and influential of the settlers of Plymouth. After the Revo- 
lution, he lost his wife, and married again in Haverhill, Mass., removing 
to that town, where he died. History has perversely sought to rob this 
good man and brave soldier of his laurels. Colonel Stark's report of 
the Bennington battle spells his name Hubbard, as was often done, and 
so it has gone into Belknap's history and all others, and the world has 
wondered who the brave Colonel " Hubbard " was ! 

Note K (page 10). — Could the cannon of Bunker Hill be heard in 
Plymouth ? The distance in air line is one hundred miles, and atmos- 
pheric conditions must have been favorable ; but the testimony cannot 
be lightly set aside. That the tradition prevailed all along the Connecti- 
cut Valley is certain. I have met it as far west as Barnard, Vt., from the 



NOTES. 35 

son of Thomas Freeman, who with others affirmed the fact as unques- 
tionable. [See Thompson's Gazetteer of Vermont, part 3, page 7.] It is 
reported from Hanover ; and in Hartford, Vt, men were that day shin o-Hng 
the house in which I was born, and heard the cannonade distinctly, "xhe 
Plymouth account is still more conclusive. The obituary of Colonel 
Webster [published in Farmer & Moore's Historical Collections vol 3 
page 272J stated that he ordered the long roll to be beaten, collected 
the people ; and, after deliberation, went below to learn what was going 
on and take part, if necessary. Many were living at this time (1824) 
who must have known the facts, and who would have denied these state- 
ments if not true. And if true, they settle the question. 

Note L (page 11) .-Elder Stephen Webster, who came from Chester 
to Plymouth, was the brother of Abel, the proprietors' clerk, and the 
father of Colonel David, Amos and Lydia, the wife of Samuel Cummings, 
Esq., of Hollis, a leading man in that town, and very active among the' 
Plymouth proprietors. He was son of Nathan, one of the first settlers 
of Chester. His father, also I^athan, of Bradford, Mass., was son of 
John Webster, who came from Ipswich, Engand, to Ipswich, Mass., free- 
man, in 1635. Ezekiel and Daniel Webster were descendants of his son 
Thomas, through three generations of the name Ebenezer. 

Note M (page 13) .-For the recovery of this long-lost date I am in- 
debted to the Ward Genealogy. For many years the formation of the 
church had been associated with the installation of Mr. Ward, and dated 
a year too late. The centennial discourse was as much out of time the 
error not having been till recently proved, although for some time sus- 
pected. 

Note N (page 21).— Dr. Bouton, in his interesting discourse preached 
at " Father" Ward's funeral, gives a different text for this farewell ser- 
mon. But the concurrent and independent statement of at least three 
persons who heard the sermon and remembered it well, inclines me to 
trust their memory of it, as given above. 



36 



PLYTVIOUTH, N. H. 







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INDEX. 



Academy, Holmes Plymouth, Theolog 

jcal School proposed, 
Anti-Slavery Conflict, 
Atkinson, Theodore, 
Bailey, Capt. Jacob, 
Baker, Capt. Thomas, 
Baker, Otis, 
Baptist Church, 
Bartlett, Dea. Ebenezer, 
Battle with Indians, 
Benevolent Contributions, 
Bennington, Battle of, 
Blake, Rev. Robert, 
Blanchard, Col. Joseph, 
Blodgett, James, 
Blood, Elnathan, 
Bouton, N., D. D., . 
Brown, Lt. Josiah, . 
Brown, Silas, . 
Bunker Hill, Battle of, 
Campton, . 
Census, Early, . 
Charter of Plymouth, 
Charter Names of Grantees, 
Chester, .... 
Church, Date of Organization 
Coos, proposed Colony at, 
Coos, Powers' History of, 
Corser, Rev. Enoch, 
Cummings, Jotham, 
Cummings, Jotham, Jr., Statement of, 
Cummings, Samuel, 
Deacons, List of, 
Dearborn, Samuel, . 
Fairbank, Rev. Drury, 
Fenton, John, Esq., 
Fletcher, Elder Joshua, 



Page 

28 

24 

6,33 

8 

5,31 

31 

19 

' 26 

6 

29 

10 

23 

7 



31,35 

8,10 

8 

10 

8,32 

8 

8 

33 

8,35 

13, 35 

6 

31 

25,36 

8, 11 

9 

7,36 

26 

8, 10 

19, 36 

11 

26 



General Association, Meetings in P., 

George, King, . 

George, Dea. "Washington 

George, William, Esq., . 

Goddard, Rev. Samuel, . 

Goold, Dea. Benj., . 

Grafton County Settlement, 

" " Organization 

Grantees of Plymouth, . 
Green, "William, 

Hanover 

Hardships of Early Settlers, 
Hardy, Daniel, 

Haverhill 

Hazen, Rev. H. A., . 
Hazen, Capt. John, 
Hazen, Gen. Moses, 
Hobart, Col. David, 
Hobart, James, 
Hobart, Rev. James, 
Hobart, Genealogical note, 
Hollis, .... 
Instructions to Representative, 
Jewett, Prof. M. P., 
Jewett, Rev. "Wm. R., . 

Lebanon 

Little's History of "Warren, 
Lord, Nathan, D. D., 
Lyme, .... 
McQuesten, Dea. Alvah, 
Meeting-houses, 
Merrill, Jacob, 
Methodist Church, . 
Ministers from Plymouth, 
Ministers' Wives from Plymouth, 
Monthly Concert, . 
•Morrison, Dea. James, 



,17 



0, 



Page 
28 
17 
, 26, 29 
18 
23 
26 
7 

12 

33 

27,29 

8,16 

9 

19 

8 

36 

8,31 

32 

10, 34 

8 

21,36 

34 

8,33 

11 

28 

25, 36 
8,16 

31 

23 

11,16 

26, 29 
18, 24 
18,29 

20 
27,36 
28 
29 
26 



38 



INDEX. 



Page 

Newcastle, Mo 15 

Newton, Mass., Mr. Ward's Separatist 

Ordination in 15 

Newbury, 8 

Normal School, N. H. State, ... 30 

Orford, 8, 11, 16 

Parker, Zechariah, 8 

Parsons, Rev. J. U 25 

Pastors, Table of, 36 

Protracted Meetings, . ... 23 
Powers, Capt. Peter, .... 7 

Powers, Rev. Peter, . . . . 16 
Powers, Rev. Grant, .... 31 

Powers, Nahum, 10 

Punchard; Rev. G 21, 36 

Revolutionary War 10 

Richardson, Rev. Cyrus, . . 28, 30, 36 
Robbins, Dea. Asa, .... 26 

Rogers, John, 28 

Rogers, N. Peabody, .... 24 

Rumney 8 

Russell, Hon. Moor, .... 28 
Russell, William W., . . . . 29 

Russell, Dea. W. W., Jr 26, 29 

Sabbath Schools 29 

Sanborn, Dea. S 26 

Scott, Rev. G. H 30, 36 









Page 


Stark, Gen. John 6, 11 


Stevens, Capt. Phineas, . 






7 


Stone, Benj. P., D. D., . 






. 19, 28 


Sutherland, Rev. D., 






23 


Tax-payers, 1775, . 






33 


Temperance Reform, 






20 


Thompson, George, . 






28 


Tucker, Rev. W. J., 




27 


28,36 


Ward, Rev. J. W., . 






27,36 


Ward, Rev. Jonathan, . 






20,36 


Ward, Rev. Jonathan, Jr., 






27,36 


Ward, Rev. Milton, 






27,36 


Ward, Rev. Nathan, 






13,36 


Ward, Rev. Nathan, M. D., 






28,35 


Ward Ancestry, 






15 


Webster, Abel, 






7,8 


Webster, Amos, 






11 


Webster, Col. David, 




8 


10,35 


Webster, Dea. D. C, . 






26 


Webster, Elder Stephen, 




8, 


26,35 


Webster Genealogical Note, 






35 


Wentworth, Gov. B., 




7, 


12,33 


Weston, Ephraim, . 






8 


Willey, Rev. Isaac, . 






32 


Willoughby, Elder John, 


8,11, 


13, 26 


Worcester, Elder Francis, 






25 




HISTORICAL DISCOURSE 



COMMEMORATIVE OF THE 



CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, PLYMOUTH, N. H. 



Preached Dec. 24th and 31st, 1865, 

Bt!( HENRY A. HAZEN, Pastok. 



With lUTKODroTioN and Notes belatikg to the Eaklt Histoby of the Town. 



BOSTON: 

CONGREGATIONAL PUBLISHING SOCIETY, 

Congregationai, House. 

1875. 









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